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It’s a thought that haunts you once you cross your forties; it becomes stronger as you notice the grays and the wrinkles; and it becomes an obsession with some people who cannot accept the fact that they are growing old. Aging is a natural part of life, but it is hard to digest that our physical features are undergoing a sea change and that we can do nothing about it. Well, that’s not exactly true, not if the reports about resveratrol are to be believed.

This compound is found naturally in red wine and in certain foods like grapes (the skin), berries, herbs, and in a side product of honey called propolis. Its biologically active form – trans resveratrol – has been known to protect against cancer, help reduce weight, prevent cardiovascular diseases, stave off Alzheimer’s disease, and best of all, slow down the process of aging. 

It is believed that resveratrol works as an anti-aging agent by activating a class of proteins known as sirtuins (SIR2 proteins or Silent Information Regulator 2) which are therapeutic targets that are now being used to treat diseases that arise because of old age. They have been proven to counter age-related illnesses like Type II diabetes and other neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Sirtuins reduce the rate of cellular decay and enable cells to repair themselves in case of damage. They also help control the growth of abnormal cells thus providing us with a way to prevent cancer. 

Various studies have augmented and strengthened resveratrol’s reputation as an anti-aging wonder compound. One report from the Harvard Medical School and the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Biology states that resveratrol helps prolong life and also negates the adverse effects of a diet that is high in fat. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and prevents Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Another study at the National Institute of Aging says that resveratrol appears to improve health and prolong life spans of mice. Human trials are still on, but that has not stopped pharmaceutical companies from jumping on this bandwagon and coming out with pills based on this seemingly magical compound.

So if you’re still young and are looking to keep aging at bay, drink a glass of red wine a day. It does wonders for your health.